Qualitatively and correctly sharpened edges on each link of the chain saw radically change the nature of the tool. It doesn't matter what type of drive, gasoline or electric. You can, of course, edit with your hands, but the best sharpening machines are inexpensive, and, having mastered the equipment, you can extend the life of chains and chainsaws.
The content of the article:
- What to look for when choosing
-
The best chain sharpeners up to 200W
- DDE MSC-104-95
- Einhell GC-CS 85 E
- PATRIOT SMG 220
- Resanta T-100
- ZUBR STs 200
- Huter ECS-100
-
The best chain sharpeners from 200W
- Whirlwind SZTs 200
- Rezer EG 235-CN
- CHAMPION (PROFI) C2001
- Sturm BG6060
What to look for when choosing
Manual chain sharpening is an art. You need constant practice, a tool, but even in this case, not everyone manages to properly thread the chain without a machine. You can, of course, give the chain for sharpening to the salon or to the saw repair shop. This service is not cheap. It is more profitable to choose your equipment, for example, on the advice of friends, or choose from the rating of the best chain sharpening machines.
But even if you undertake to sharpen the blades on the saw with your own hands, it is worth remembering that the cutting plane and the cutting edge must be processed, maintaining 2 corners at once. It's hard to do it by hand. You need to buy a special-shaped vice, but a small machine is better right away.
What you need to pay attention to first of all:
- The quality of fixing the link in the vise of the machine. The fixed link should not change position, even if you try to pull it out with pliers. Many machines in the process of sharpening can cut metal with an edge angle. In this case, the link is subjected to a serious load from the pressure of the circle and the vibrations of the drive. Therefore, high-quality sharpening is possible only with reliable fixation of the link in a vice.
- Engine power. It can be conditionally divided into low-power models, 85-200 W, and professional ones, from 200 W and above. In addition to the power on the shaft, the number of revolutions matters. The best sharpening machines have at least 5000 rpm.
- The rigidity of the base with a vice and the hinge connecting to the oscillating spindle (motor plus circle). The movable system must rotate on the axis without play, all plastic parts must be rigid and not deform during chain sharpening.
- Grinding disc thickness. Almost all machine models can work with grinding discs 100-150 mm, 3-5 mm thick. If you purchase equipment for sharpening only chains from a personal chainsaw, then you must first clarify the link width and edge size. The choice of grinding wheel depends on this.
If the machine will be used to sharpen chains of all possible sizes, then it is best to choose universal powerful device with a quick nut for fixing the disk on the drive and always with a protective casing. But keep in mind that the more powerful the engine, the more noise, and the stronger the vibration on the shaft. Therefore, the best professional-level models are always quiet, well balanced on the spindle.
The presence of a protective transparent casing can cause discomfort at first. But without him, nowhere. In glasses, sharpening is often even more inconvenient, but without protection it is impossible. Otherwise, a broken piece of abrasive may injure the face or eyes.
Most mini sharpening machines have a similar device. As a rule, this is a solid base frame on which a swinging caliper with a motor, spindle and disk is installed.
The accuracy of sharpening depends primarily on the strength of the hinge, the presence of play in it, and then on the rigidity of the bed and the beating of the disk. If the base can be strengthened - fixed on a workbench, the beating of the disk can be adjusted with paper spacers, then in case of deformation of the hinge, precise sharpening will not work. Usually, after such a breakdown, the machine is simply sent for disassembly.
This will come in handy! Overview of the best grinding machines.
The best chain sharpeners up to 200W
The process of sharpening the cutting edge does not require an electric motor greater than 150 watts. In this case, the turnover should preferably be high. Then the surface on the cutting edge of the link will turn out to be even, almost smooth. Accordingly, the chain after sharpening will cut better than a new one.
DDE MSC-104-95
The design of the machine was developed in the USA, manufactured in China. One of the most reliable and quietest devices for dressing and sharpening chain saw links. Belongs to the category of professional tool. Price - 2900 rubles, 12 months warranty.
According to many craftsmen, the DDE MSC-104-95 can be considered one of the best of the low-power models. At a low price, the quality of the main components of the engine, the hinge, the vice for fixing, as well as the accuracy of the tuning system, are higher than those of competitors.
Characteristics:
- Power 95 W at 5000 rpm.
- Abrasive discs 104 mm. It is allowed to install circles with a thickness of 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm.
The setting system allows you to sharpen cutting edges at an angle of 30O, 32O and 35O. The weight is only 2.2 kg, but the motor is powered only by 220 V. Batteries are not used.
Einhell GC-CS 85 E
Compact machine for sharpening all types of chain saws. Can cut edge angle up to 35O. The model is one of the smallest and lightest - weight 1.89 kg, dimensions 17x22x25 cm. The manufacturer positions the machine as semi-professional equipment. But with a motor of only 85 W and 5500 rpm, the Einhell GC-CS 85 E is more of a high-end home appliance than a workshop tool.
One of the few models in which all the details are thought out to the smallest detail. For example, instead of a traditional vise, a “quick” clamp is used to install the chain, fixing several links at once. This scheme makes it easier to hold the saw during the sharpening process.
Characteristics:
- Weight - 1.9 kg.
- Table swing angle - 35O in any direction from the axis.
- Circle diameter - 108 mm, landing on the spindle - 23 mm, thickness 3.2 mm.
- Power - 220 V.
The design uses an aluminum base and a hinge on metal bushings. This means that even after sharpening several hundred chain saws, the slewing unit of the machine will work without play.
PATRIOT SMG 220
Despite a relatively weak motor, only 85 watts at 5000 rpm, the Patriot has earned a reputation as a handy and reliable tool for "jewelry" sharpening of the most worn chains.
The secret of the machine lies in the successful layout. It is somewhat reminiscent of the design of a cut-off miter saw. The handle is located on the top of the body, so there is no particular need to twist the hand to feed the disc into the sharpening zone.
The swivel joint is made on a polished hardened steel axle, fixed in the lugs with spring washers. Moreover, the case is preloaded in the upper position by a rather powerful spring. If you accidentally release the handle from your hand while sharpening the link, the spring will simply return it to the upper safe position.
Characteristics:
- Weight - 2.2 kg.
- Dimensions - 20x16x18 cm, the base is mounted on soft rubber washers.
- Abrasive wheel 104 mm, landing 22 mm. Disc thickness 3.2 mm.
The protective screen is small, but it is entirely sufficient for effective protection against sparks and abrasive dust.
Price - 4000 rubles, 24 months warranty.
You'll love it! 8 best lathes.
Resanta T-100
Machine developed by Latvia, produced in China. Quite massive for a tool with only 100W motor at 5000rpm. The developers of the mini-machine deliberately made the oscillating caliper and bed heavier in order to improve vibration damping during the chain sharpening process.
The layout of the machine is classic, with a wide base and an inclined swinging caliper. For sharpening, discs of 104x3.5 mm are used. Sharpening angle - 30O.
The design of the device allows it to withstand heavy loads without compromising the quality of sharpening. A professional-class machine is often purchased in repair and service workshops, in a hand tool rental studio.
The price of the tool is 4100 rubles, the guarantee is 5 years.
ZUBR STs 200
Sharpening machine of the Russian development. Refers to semi-professional tools. It has a beautiful appearance and a successful layout of nodes. The scheme of the mini-machine is classic, somewhat reminiscent of the Patriot. A feature of the model is the ability to use abrasive discs of 2 sizes for sharpening - 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm thick.
Machine characteristics:
- Motor power - 95 W, at 5000 rpm.
- Abrasive disc - 104 / 22.2 mm.
- Weight - 2.75 kg.
The bed is made by one casting from an aluminum alloy. Pendulum support made of plastic, cruelty large enough to perform sharpening with increased force on the handle. There is a sharpening depth limiter, and instead of a standard vise, a “quick” lock is used that holds several chain links at once.
Price - 3900 rubles, a guarantee for 5 years.
Huter ECS-100
German brand, production moved to our own factory in China. The scheme of the machine, like most European models, is focused on sharpening light high-speed chains with a cutting edge angle of 0-30O. Huter cuts well, but it is recommended to take it with Stern or Huksvarna. Or change the tire and chain on the chainsaw.
Characteristics:
- The power of the collector electric motor is 100 W.
- Rotation frequency - 5200 rpm.
- The outer and landing size of the abrasive wheel is 108/23 mm.
- The weight of the model is 2 kg.
The only drawback of the machine is the lack of a protective screen. That is, the grinding wheel itself is closed with a plastic overlay, but this does not protect against the smallest abrasive dust. In addition, the process of sharpening quality chains with high-carbon forged steel edges is usually accompanied by a large number of sparks. Therefore, it will be necessary either to install a shield, or to perform sharpening on the machine only with glasses, which is not always convenient.
Price - 3400 rubles, 12 months warranty.
This will come in handy! Profile pipe bending machine.
The best chain sharpeners from 200W
Most models with a motor of more than 200 W are professional-level devices with a high-quality chain fixation system and a convenient caliper location. But there are household models, powerful and accurate.
Whirlwind SZTs 200
Russian design, but assembled in China. Today it is considered one of the best machines for sharpening domestic production. The device turned out to be solid. With a weight of 2 kg, the width of the base is 18 cm, the length is 30 cm, and the height is 21 cm. The power of the high-speed collector motor is 200 W. Disc with an outer diameter of 100 mm, with a landing - 10 mm.
The table with the fixed chain can be turned left and right, the scale is on the left side, the adjusting screw is on the right. Before finishing sharpening, you will need to make several training cuts.
The base of the machine and the turntable are cast aluminum, the oscillating body is made of plastic.
Vortex SZTs 200 has 2 features:
- The hinge connecting the body and the base is made of a conventional threaded bolt (stud), and the lugs are made of plastic. If you sharpen the chain by pressing hard on the handle, then the plastic on the hinge wears out quickly, play appears.
- The machine provides high quality sharpening only on a new disk. As soon as the abrasive wheel is ground down by 20% of the size, the accuracy of the gash decreases.
In any case, before fine sharpening the chain, you need to check the operation of at least 1-2 links of the saw. But the Whirlwind cuts well, it is often used to sharpen all kinds of household tools - from kitchen knives to chisels.
Price - 3300 rubles, 12 months warranty.
Rezer EG 235-CN
A new Russian brand, production is located in China. Powerful desktop machine for domestic use. Metal body, classic layout, with spindle tilt.
Machine dimensions - 47x34x21 cm. The tool turned out to be huge, for sharpening chains of powerful chainsaws. Engine power - 235 W at 3000 rpm. The drive is low-speed with a large torque. Therefore, the machine uses oversized abrasive discs - 145x4.5 mm.
In addition to sharpening chains, the machine can be used as a universal tool for straightening knives, saws, scissors, any cutting tool.
Models EG 235-CN has one feature - you need to use high-quality discs for sharpening. And correctly install them without beating. Otherwise, the bearing on the spindle is easily broken, a runout appears. As a result, the chain sharpener can only be used as a conventional sharpener.
The price of the machine is 6600 rubles, 12 months warranty.
Caliber EZS-250
The appearance and design of the machine is inferior to imported models. But the Caliber compares favorably with most competitors with an increased power of the electric motor - 250 W at an operating frequency of 8500 rpm. At the same time, the weight of the tool is only 1.6 kg. The design uses impact-resistant and wear-resistant plastics, so the machine is not afraid of shock or strong vibrations.
To increase the accuracy of sharpening, the Caliber developers placed the engine in a double case-case. As a result, noise and vibrations have decreased, and electrical safety has improved.
For sharpening, an abrasive wheel 100x5 mm is used. Due to high speeds, the disc is covered with two shields. The first, metal, actually closes the abrasive itself from accidental contact with the worker's hands. The second, transparent shield blocks the spread of dust and the ingress of foreign objects into the chain sharpening zone.
The only drawback of the machine is the handle in the form of a bracket. This design makes it easier to carry the tool, but it is not very convenient to control the drive and requires getting used to.
The price of the machine is 3200 rubles, a 12-month warranty.
CHAMPION (PROFI) C2001
One of the heaviest machines in the ranking of the best. Its weight is 5.8 kg. The rocking caliper and bed are made of metal. Therefore, the rigidity of the entire system is higher than that of plastic competitors. The machine belongs to the category of household power tools, but its capabilities are higher. You can sharpen not only chains, but also hand saws, and even cut-off and miter cutters for turning.
Characteristics:
- Collector motor for 230 W and 3000 rpm.
- Abrasive disc 145x3.2 mm, landing 22.2 mm.
- Dimensions 50x36x23 cm.
Of particular note is the successful design of the quick clamping of the chain links. Of all the options considered in the review, this one turned out to be the most reliable and easiest to set up. The locking system allows you to quickly fix and release the link after sharpening. It takes several times less time to fasten the chain than competitors.
The disadvantage of the machine is its price, 9400 rubles, with a guarantee of only 1 year.
Sturm BG6060
The machine tool is a well-known brand of hand power tools. German design, made in China. It looks quite modest, the design and color schemes are clearly inferior in expressiveness to models from Engel or Champion.
But the machine was a success in all respects. According to user reviews, the biggest drawback concerned only the complex system for attaching the device to the workbench. Otherwise, the machine was recognized as convenient, easy to operate, regardless of the link sharpening scheme.
Characteristics:
- 250 W electric motor at 5000 rpm.
- Weight 2.16 kg.
- Dimensions 17x26x18 cm.
- Abrasive with an outer diameter of 104 mm, thickness 3.2 mm.
The device stands out for its quick grip design. In Sturm BG6060, it is one of the most accurate, although the mini-machine belongs to household in terms of sharpening class.
The mini-machine turned out to be quite quiet for any type of sharpening, due to the good balance of the spindle and disk. Cast aluminum base allows you to mount the device on any flat surface. True, for this you have to use a bolted connection, and not a clamp or a quick grip.
The price of the machine is 5200 rubles, a 12-month warranty.
The best sharpening machines should not only be accurate and reliable, they should also be comfortable to work with. Therefore, it is better to postpone the final choice of model until such time as you can look at the mini-machine "live". This is the only way to determine whether the model is suitable or not.
Healthy: Do-it-yourself cutting machine for metal.
Tell us about your experience with mini-grinding machines. Which of them turned out to be the most convenient in work?